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Pirates 101 provides 24/7 obsessive sports coverage of the Pittsburgh Pirates as a part of Sports Media 101. For news,
op/ed, game reviews, team updates and even rumors you will find all of it on Pirates 101. Have an opinion - join
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Not much of a surprise here. McCutchen has been the Pirates best player all season, save maybe the first week. Last season's National League MVP has been maintaining an average around .320 while having an OPS in excess of .900. Only Charlie Blackmon, Giancarlo Stanton, Jose Bautista and Michael Brantley have had better starts to the season from an outfield position.

Walker's early season power surge has landed him high up on the list of valuable fantasy Pirates. Walker's 102 total points are tied for sixth-best, although he is separated from second-place Howie Kendrick by just four points.

The Pirates don't have a starting pitcher ranked until 54, a sign of the rotation's early season struggles. Cole's respectable early season-numbers have him in the middle-tier of fantasy starters. He is surrounded by pitchers such as Yovani Gallardo, Alfredo Simon, Andrew Cashner and Shelby Miller.

Through all of Pedro's inconsistency, he has managed to knock out eight and drive in 24, launching him into the upper-echelon of fantasy third baseman, a thin position. He is behind guys like Miguel Cabrera, Todd Frazier, Nolan Arenado and Josh Donaldson while he has scored more points than Evan Longoria and Matt Carpenter.

Melancon has only recently taken over the closer's role for the injured Jason Grilli, and has not had enough save opportunities in the early going to rise up the rankings. His 1.50 ERA, however, is looking quite nice.

Morton's numbers are a bit misleading, as he could be much higher with added run support in a few of his starts. Nevertheless, he is sharing space with fellow starting pitchers Drew Smyly, Edwin Jackson, Matt Garza and Bud Norris.